Graduation closes one chapter, starts another

“Pomp and Circumstance,” a traditional graduation anthem, blared through the entrance way to Warrior Stadium on Friday, June 19.

Many students made their final memory at Delware Valley High School, as they filed in at their designated time slot to receive their diploma. Shortly after, names were called, as black-and-white gowns could be seen walking across the turf.

Graduation is one of the most important milestones in a young person’s life, as it closes an old chapter and opens a new one. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, plans for graduation were affected.

Due to social distancing regulations set by the state, a traditional graduation was impossible, and a new format for the special day was called for.

Students picked a time slot to graduate, students would be allowed two people to walk them into the stadium and two more people were allowed to watch from DV’s practice field and wait for family photos.

“I thought the graduation ceremony was a success for the seniors because they got to attend with their friends, and the parents got to be on the field with their children,” Delaware Valley superintendent John Bell said.

This plan allowed students to share their well-earned day with family and friends.

“We wanted something personal and intimate for our seniors and their parents. So hopefully we were able to show how much the high school cares about our kids as they move on from Delaware Valley,” high school principal Dr. Brian Blaum said.

Despite the circumstances, Delaware Valley’s class of 2020 was able to walk into Warrior Stadium as students and walk out as graduates.